What is considered success in black America? This question confounded our race for generations. Blacks struggled with Jim Crow obstacles to gain an opportunity at the American Dream. Their answers came in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, John F. Kennedy, the Black Panthers, Bobby Kennedy and hundreds of martys who died violently for social equality. The generation that suffered gave to this generation. Black America measured an individual's success in these ways.

1) Are you rich? Or, are you wealthy?

I'm not talking about living paycheck to paycheck. If you're living comfortable for yourself, you're a rich person. Being rich meant next week a so-called "baller" could be driving a car with nice rims and custom paint. That baller would have a trophy model on his arm. Being rich was just for show. Being rich was a temporary situation that could fade with a bad investment.

Being wealthy is talking an entirely different ballgame. Wealth has the power to uplift a community, a village or a country. When Oprah Winfrey ventured to South Africa last Christmas, she bestowed gifts to over 50,000 children and their families for three weeks! The year before, she finished building a school and orphanage for children affected by AIDS. It was a $30 million dollar operation. She has a television show called "The Big Give". The motivation is bestowing the most money for needy strangers. Giving away wealth attracted millions of ABC viewers on Sunday night.

2) Have you got someone a job?

Successful black people are responsible for getting less fortunate ones employed. In 1996, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs was to hire Southside Crips for security during his visit to Los Angeles. R&B singer, Usher Raymond, got his mother a job as his manager. Jayceon "The Game" Taylor employed Blood gang members as bodyguards.

3) Have you "hooked someone up"?

In the black community, "those who made it" have to share their success. Those who don't are branded as sellouts. Rap artists, NBA and NFL players are obligated to share their success with their friends. Black celebrities have posses. These posses are mostly childhood friends. Sometimes, childhood friends have good intentions. Sometimes, they don't. NBA star, Allen Iverson, had problems with his posse during his Philadelphia 76er days. After drugs, guns and possession charges, he removed his "problem posse". Those who followed him enjoyed five-star hotels and a rock star lifestyle. His net worth was over $200 million dollars. Posse members received brand-new cars, brand-new homes and a weekly allowance. Adam "Pac Man" Jones suffered legal difficulties from his longtime friends.

4) What have you done for your "hood"?

Some black celebrities enjoyed giving back. Golden State Warriors star, Chris Webber showcased his rare, African-American art in a Detroit gallery. This displayed a willingness to share black culture to an impoverished community. Allen Iverson put on celebrity softball games in his birthplace of Hampton, Virginia. These softball games raised money for single-mothers, at-risk kids' program and college scholarships. Since his rookie year (1996), he's done that. Giving back has great importance in the black race. When someone reached that success, they helped someone get on that path.

For those who asked before, success in black America is celebrated by EVERYONE; not just one.

Learn more about this author, Marcus Brooks.
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